How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

House

Senate

Pass: Approved Bill Sent to President

OR

1. Representative hands bill to clerk or drops it in the hopper.
2. Bill given HR number

1. Senator announces bill on the floor.
2. Bill given S number

Sent to subcommittee for changes.Standing committe may recommend it pass or be killed.

1. Referred to House standing committee.
2. Referred to House subcommittee.
3. Reported by standing committee.
4. Rules committee sets rules for debate and ammendments.

1. Referred to Senate standing committee.
2. Referred to Senate subcommittee.
3. Reported by standing committee.

1. House debates, votes on passage.
2. Bill passes; goes to Senate for approval.

ORDifferent verison passes; goes to conference committee.

1. Senate debates, votes on passage.
2. Bill passes; goes to House for approval.

ORDifferent verison passes; goes to conference committee.

Conference committee works out differences and sends identical compromise bill to both chambers for final approval.

House votes on compromised bill.

Senate votes on compromised bill.

President signs bill, or allows bill to become law without signing.

President vetoes bill or uses a "pocket veto".

Congress can override veto with 2/3 majorities in both chambers. If not, the bill dies!

Committee Action

Floor Action

Conference Actions